EPA Approves Historic Permit for Ocean Era’s Velella Epsilon Open Ocean Aquaculture Project

Washington, D.C. – May 24, 2025 – Drue Banta Winters, Campaign Manager of Stronger America Through Seafood, issued the following statement after Ocean Era received a modified NPDES permit for their proposed Velella Epsilon project from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Velella Epsilon will be the first open ocean finfish aquaculture project in U.S. federal waters.

“After an extensive seven-year review process by regulators, the EPA has awarded a historic permit for Ocean Era’s Velella Epsilon demonstration project, which will allow a single net pen in open ocean waters off Florida’s coast. This is an important step forward in supporting growth of America’s aquaculture industry. No commercial scale finfish farm has been able to successfully navigate the U.S. federal regulatory process.

Today, up to 85% of the seafood that American families eat is imported and half of that seafood is farm-raised in other countries. Responsible farming in our oceans – which is how it will be done in the Gulf – can complement wild-capture harvesting and support our coastal economies to meet the growing demand for fresh, local seafood in America.

Today’s modern aquaculture uses the latest science, research and technology, including AI technology, sophisticated computer modeling, underwater camera and robotics, to raise fish in an environmentally sound manner. We can responsibly produce our own sustainable seafood, here in the U.S., without harming our oceans.

We should be encouraging more investment in American seafood, which is why SATS continues to advocate for legislation to establish a clear regulatory pathway for open ocean aquaculture. That is what is needed to ensure that businesses and investors have a path to get their farms into the waters. Growing our seafood in deep, offshore waters can provide significant benefits to the U.S. economy and enhance our food security.”